Afghan Spy Agency Forms Daesh Bureau

Afghanistan's intelligence service has formed a unit to focus solely on the threat posed by Daesh, the agency announced on Wednesday.



The formation of the new unit is a recognition of the danger posed by the militant group that has its origins in Iraq.



Abdul Haseeb, a spokesman for the National Directorate for Security (NDS), said the new unit would include investigators and special forces troops.



"Afghan security forces that include men from the Afghan National Army and the NDS have launched clean-up operations in areas under Daesh influence," Haseeb said.



Daesh first emerged in Afghanistan in January, when a number of ex-Taliban fighters pledged allegiance to the group, which has dubbed itself the Islamic State in Khorasan, using the country's old name.



Since then it has clashed with security forces and the Taliban.



Commenting on fighting in eastern Nangarhar province on Tuesday, Haseeb said seven Daesh insurgents had been killed and four wounded. "Over all we have eliminated 35 Daesh insurgents in this province so far and more will be killed later," he added.



The spy agency believes Daesh has established networks in Helmand, Nangarhar and Farah provinces. - Kabil